This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2014
For football collectors, this jersey represents a very rare and important piece of football history. According to our research, this is only 1 of 3 pre 1966 Oilers jerseys known to exist, and the only Oilers George Blanda on record. Additionally, this jersey was originally sourced directly from the collection of George Blanda, and comes with his signed affidavit.
During his career with the Oilers, Blanda thought enough of this exact jersey to save it for himself. It may even be his game worn jersey from his final season with the Oilers, a possible reason to save it.
George Blanda began his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears in 1954. In 1960, he was traded to the Houston Oilers of the upstart AFL, American Football League which was competing against the established NFL. Blanda has immediate success, leading the Oilers to the AFL’s first Championship.
This jersey is eliminated as being worn during 1960, as the team utilized shoulder striping in its design.
1961 found Blanda leading the Oilers to a repeat, winning the Championship again. For the 1961 season, the team dropped the shoulder striping, therefore this jersey matches the style first worn during the 1961 Championship season and remained as the style of choice through Blanda’s final season with the team in 1966.
Champion Knit wear size 50 tag sewn to the tail while Blanda's uniform number 16 is screened to the front, back and sleeves in red. A small rectangle is affixed to the left rear of the jersey which appears to be either vintage athletic tape or perhaps a faded tag of some sort.
Jersey exhibits light but distinguishable game wear. Wear is most visible in the areas of the shoulders and next. Numerals are red applique and appropriate for the era.
Accompanying will be a letter signed by Blanda attesting that "The following is a game used jersey that I wore while playing for the Houston Oilers in the early 1960's".
Final Grade MEARS A8: Per the MEARS grading system, 10 points were first assigned due to the jersey being consistent with supplier, style, and provenance introducing the jersey to the hobby. 2 points were subtracted due to light wear.
(60N0254)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS